Master Tile Installation in Oxford, MS
Precision craftsmanship for custom backsplashes, shower enclosures, and specialty tile work throughout Lafayette County.
When Oxford, MS homeowners want tile work that holds up and looks exceptional for decades, they call TAV Construction. We bring professional-grade precision to every project — from intricate Zellige kitchen backsplashes in the Heights neighborhood to large-format porcelain shower enclosures in newer Lafayette County builds. Tile is one of the few finishes in your home where the difference between an experienced installer and an amateur is immediately visible and permanently consequential.
Our tile crews are trained on specialty materials, waterproofing systems, and pattern layouts that most general contractors won't touch. Whether you're renovating a master bath, refreshing a laundry room floor, or commissioning a feature kitchen backsplash, TAV delivers the level of craft that Oxford homes deserve.
Custom Tile Backsplashes and Shower Enclosures
Not all tile is equal — and not all tile installers are equipped to handle the full spectrum of materials available to Oxford homeowners today. TAV Construction specializes in the high-end materials that elevate a kitchen or bathroom from ordinary to remarkable.
Zellige tile, the hand-pressed Moroccan clay tile prized for its irregular facets and luminous glaze, requires a completely different installation approach than standard ceramic. Because each piece varies slightly in thickness and edge angle, Zellige demands butt-joint installation with no spacers and an installer with the patience to read each tile individually. Our teams have handled dozens of Zellige backsplash projects in North Mississippi and know how to achieve the characteristic ripple of light across the surface that makes this material worth the investment.
Glass mosaics and handmade ceramics carry similar demands. Sheet-mounted glass tiles require precise back-buttering and the right thinset chemistry to prevent telegraphing — where the mortar ridges show through the transparent tile face. We use polymer-modified white thinsets formulated specifically for glass to guarantee a clean, professional result.
- Zellige, handmade ceramics, and glass mosaic installation
- Schluter-Kerdi waterproofing for lifetime shower leak protection
- Custom shower niches, benches, and curb integration
- Herringbone, chevron, and large-format 12×24 porcelain layouts
Waterproofing That Lasts
Shower tile failure almost always starts behind the wall, not in front of it. Grout and standard tile mortar are not waterproof — they're water-resistant at best. Over years of thermal cycling and moisture exposure, untreated cement board becomes saturated, leading to mold growth, wall rot, and eventually tile failure.
TAV installs Schluter-Kerdi sheet membrane and Kerdi-Board as standard practice on all shower enclosures. This creates a continuous vapor barrier behind the tile that directs any incidental moisture back toward the drain rather than into the wall cavity. It's the same system specified by high-end tile contractors nationwide and backed by Schluter's extensive technical warranty.
For steam showers, we extend the membrane behind ceiling tiles and fully seal all penetrations with Kerdi-Band before setting a single piece of tile. Oxford's humid summers make this level of protection essential for any shower that will see regular use.
The TAV Precision Tiling Process
The difference between tile that looks great on day one and tile that holds up for twenty years comes down to what happens before the first piece is ever set. TAV's process is built around preparation, precision, and protection at every stage.
Substrate Preparation
We begin every tile project by evaluating the substrate — whether that's a concrete slab, plywood subfloor, or existing wall surface. Floors are checked with a 10-foot straightedge and leveled to within 3/16 inch per the TCNA flatness standard. Walls are checked for plumb and shimmed or re-backed as needed. Any deflection or softness in a subfloor gets addressed before tile is purchased, not after. Cutting corners here guarantees cracked grout lines and popped tiles within two to three years.
Laser-Aligned Layout
Tile layout planning is where craft separates from commodity installation. We use laser levels to establish true horizontal and vertical reference lines across the entire installation field. For kitchen backsplashes, we center the layout on the range hood to ensure the focal point of the room looks balanced. For floors, we dry-lay the full room to identify and eliminate sliver cuts — the narrow, awkward tile fragments that end up visible along baseboards when layout isn't planned in advance. For herringbone or diagonal patterns, establishing the correct 45-degree starter line is critical; even a two-degree error compounds into visible waviness across a large floor.
Precision Setting & Grouting
Large-format tiles like 24×48 porcelain slabs require full back-buttering combined with troweled mortar on the substrate — the industry's double-bond method — to achieve the 95% minimum contact required to prevent lippage and hollow spots. We select thinset chemistry to match the tile: epoxy-modified for glass, large-and-heavy for stone, standard polymer for porcelain. Grout selection is a conversation we have with every Oxford homeowner: unsanded for joints under 1/8 inch, sanded for larger joints, and epoxy grout for kitchen floors and shower benches where stain resistance is paramount. Every grout joint gets sealed 72 hours after installation for maximum penetration.
Dust-Controlled Cutting
Tile cutting generates fine silica dust that is both a respiratory hazard and a housekeeping challenge. TAV uses wet-saw stations set up outside or in garages wherever possible, with HEPA-filtered dust extraction when interior cutting is unavoidable. We seal doorways to the work area and lay down surface protection throughout traffic paths. Oxford homes with open floor plans and HVAC systems on high-return cycles are especially vulnerable to dust migration — we take this seriously because cleaning up a construction mess is part of the job, not an afterthought.
Material Selection Guidance
Not sure which tile material is right for your Oxford kitchen or bathroom? TAV provides pre-project consultations where we walk through material options, pattern choices, and grout color combinations specific to your space. North Mississippi's climate — hot, humid summers and mild but occasionally freezing winters — affects tile material performance, particularly on covered outdoor patios and in non-climate-controlled spaces like garages. We help you avoid expensive mistakes before any material is ordered.
No obligation · Oxford & Lafayette County
Tile Services for Oxford, MS Homes
From a single bathroom backsplash to a whole-home flooring renovation, TAV handles tile work at any scale in Oxford and surrounding Lafayette County communities.
Kitchen Backsplashes
Subway tile, Zellige, handmade ceramic, glass mosaic — we install all backsplash styles with clean cuts around outlets, switches, and range hoods. Most kitchen backsplash projects complete in two to three days including grout cure time.
Shower Enclosures & Wet Rooms
Full waterproofing with Schluter-Kerdi, custom niches, linear drains, and bench installation. We handle floor-to-ceiling tile in master bath wet rooms and standard tub-surround conversions to walk-in showers.
Bathroom Floor Tile
Hexagon penny tile, large-format porcelain, patterned cement tile — installed flat, properly waterproofed at the perimeter, and transitioned cleanly to adjacent flooring materials.
Kitchen & Laundry Floors
High-traffic floor tile with epoxy grout options for stain resistance. We evaluate your subfloor deflection rating before recommending tile size — critical in Oxford's older craftsman and ranch-style homes.
Fireplace Surrounds
Natural stone, porcelain, and heat-rated ceramic tile for fireplace faces and hearth extensions. Material selection accounts for heat exposure ratings and thermal expansion requirements.
Regrout & Tile Repair
If your tiles are still bonded and your substrate is sound, a professional regrout can restore a shower or kitchen backsplash for a fraction of a full replacement. We assess structural integrity before recommending the most cost-effective path.
Oxford Tile Installation Portfolio
Recent custom tile projects completed for Oxford and Lafayette County homeowners.
What Oxford Homeowners Say
Verified reviews from Lafayette County clients on our tile installation work.
"Glevin is a kind and generous human being — and from there, his talent flows. I've worked with him multiple times, hiring him to install tile, flooring — anything where finish counts. He is dependable, reasonable, thoughtful and considerate. A true professional."
Matthew Hackworth
2026-03-12
"My experience with TAV Construction was great. Gavin does excellent work — he's good at what he does. I would recommend him to anyone looking for someone who's dedicated to doing his job. My hat goes off to him."
Reginald Nicholson
2026-04-17
"Excellent flooring work and very dependable."
Scott Hayes
2026-04-17
Related Services in Oxford
TAV handles the full scope of interior renovation — tile pairs naturally with these services.
Flooring Installation
Hardwood, LVP, and engineered flooring installed to complement your tile work.
Learn more →Bathroom Remodeling
Full bath renovations including vanity, plumbing rough-in coordination, and tile.
Learn more →Drywall Repair
Substrate repairs and wall prep before backsplash or shower tile installation.
Learn more →Tile Installation FAQ — Oxford, MS
Common questions from Lafayette County homeowners about professional tile work.
1How much does 12x24 tile installation cost in Oxford, MS?
Labor usually starts at $7-$12 per square foot depending on pattern Substrate prep and waterproofing can add to the base cost Larger tiles require flatter subfloors to prevent lippage
2What is the best way to install herringbone subway tile?
Requires 15% extra material for waste Critical 45-degree starter line setup TAV uses laser levels for perfect alignment
3Can you handle regrouting shower tile instead of a full replacement?
Viable if tiles are still bonded and substrate is dry Involves removing old grout and applying high-performance sealant Cost-effective way to refresh a bathroom
4How long does a custom tile backsplash installation take?
Most kitchen backsplashes take 2-3 days Day 1: Prep and set tile Day 2: Grouting and cleanup
5Do you install Zellige tile in Oxford?
Yes, we specialize in handmade tiles with irregular edges Requires 'butt-joint' installation without spacers Expertise in managing the unique thickness variations
6Is hexagon tile harder to install in bathrooms?
Requires more intricate cuts at the perimeter Layout must be centered to the vanity or shower entrance TAV ensures symmetrical grout lines
7What waterproofing do you use for Oxford shower remodels?
Primary use of Schluter-Kerdi membranes Ensures a vapor-tight seal for steam showers Prevents mold growth behind the tile
8How to choose kitchen wall tiles for a North Mississippi home?
Consider material durability against heat and grease Match tile scale to the size of the kitchen Consult with TAV on grout colors that hide wear
Still have questions?
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Serving Oxford and Lafayette County
Conveniently located for oxford customers
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Ready to Elevate Your Oxford Home with Custom Tile?
Get a detailed estimate for your backsplash, shower, or floor tile project. TAV Construction serves Oxford, University, Taylor, and surrounding Lafayette County communities.